BORISOV DISTRICT, 9 September (BelTA) – During a media trip to the Borisov experimental forestry enterprise Belarusian Forestry Minister Aleksandr Kulik talked to reporters, BelTA has learned. Among other things he talked about the cost of timber and about the development of wood pellet manufacturing in Belarus.
Aleksandr Kulik reminded that at some point in the recent past wood pellet manufacturing in Belarus had to stop due to sanctions on the part of unfriendly countries. Logistics was reestablished in August and shipments to eastern and Asian countries have already begun, the official said. There are plans to sell about 10,000-12,000 tonnes of merchandise to these countries in September using new logistic schemes, he said.
According to the forestry minister, wood pellet prices remain the same. In the near future the industry will have to increase the output because it is possible to make so much more in Belarus at present.
As many as 18 enterprises make wood pellets at present and about eight wood pellet enterprises are in the final phase of construction. The existing enterprises make about 300,000 tonnes of merchandise per annum. Once the rest of them are commissioned, the industry will be able to make 450,000 tonnes per annum.
Speaking about round timber prices, Aleksandr Kulik mentioned that prices have stabilized and are a far cry from the situation registered last year. “Mercantile exchange prices could go as high as Br400 per 1m3 in 2021. At present exchange prices and listed prices are evened out and are close to Br100. This level matches the normal conditions for recouping the cost of timber harvesting and delivery,” the official explained.
A presidential decree will come into force on 25 September to help build housing in the countryside. “Oblast administrations will compile programs while we will sell timber to the population, to agribusiness enterprises for the sake of building houses in the countryside. The document will regulate obligations and an action plan of the ministry and municipal government agencies,” Aleksandr Kulik remarked. “At present we fully satisfy the demand of the population and enterprises for timber.”
Previously the forestry minister was quoted as saying that materials for people in need of better housing who opt for building single-family houses cost Br75-90 per 1m3. All the firewood purchase applications are fulfilled within a month.
“It is important to distinguish citizens, who truly need housing, from those, who don't. We need clear listed prices and municipal government agencies should bear responsibility for the intended use of timber. Timber harvesting is sufficient for satisfying the nation's demand for housing construction,” Aleksandr Kulik concluded.
